Grip on Sports: As Washington State opens its home football season, the Cougars move forward instead of moving on

Thu., Sept. 6, 2018, 8:36 a.m.

In this photo taken Aug. 16, 2018, Washington State wide receiver Brandon Arconado puts on his helmet while wearing a sweatband with a #3 on it in tribute to former WSU quarterback Tyler Hilinski during NCAA football practice in Pullman, Wash. (Ted S. Warren / AP)

A GRIP ON SPORTS • Everyone has experienced sadness mixed in with the joy sports can bring. That’s part of how sports mirror life. But one would hope a certain type of sadness would never be included. It has this year at Washington State. Read on.

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• It’s a hard subject to broach. And one we hope we never have to broach again. When Tyler Hilinski took his life in January, the act forced all of us to examine the epidemic of youth suicide. Again.

Over the years there have been way too many. And way too many young athletes in this area. One would be too many, but even with my failing memory I can recall more. And every time I do, it is with sadness.

Washington State opens its home schedule this Saturday with a late-night matchup against San Jose State. If not for that one act, Tyler Hilinski would be making the start at quarterback. He’s not and the Cougars will be acknowledging why.

The emphasis will be on remembering his accomplishments, not memorializing his death. It’s a path experts urge them to walk. Tyler’s parents, Mark and Kym, will be in attendance, though I can’t imagine how hard it must be for them to get on the plane and fly from Southern California.

(Before we go further, I want to link Ivan Maisel’s story on ESPN’s website. Maisel, a veteran sports writer, lost a son to suicide a few years ago. After Tyler’s death, he contacted Mark Hilinski to talk. Nine months later they set down again and shared memories. It’s a tough story to read but worth your time. Make sure you have some tissues nearby.)

The Hilinskis will raise the Cougar flag. WSU’s players are wearing a No. 3 decal on their helmets. Most are wearing the blue wristbands from the Hilinski’s Hope foundation taped under their wristbands. Many of his teammates are remembering Tyler in their own way.

And, as part of the Washington State’s “help and hope” focus, a blue Hilinski’s Hope flag will fly in Martin Stadium’s west end zone this season.

That’s the organization the Hilinskis founded after Tyler’s death. Its aim is to help with suicide prevention and mental health awareness. It is a worthy cause we all wish wasn’t needed.

Indians: The North Division playoffs opened last night in Everett, with the AquaSox putting Mariner pitcher Hisashi Iwakuma on the mound for a rehab start. The Indians answered with their ace, Yerry Rodriguez. Of course, the game ended up being more about the hitters, with Spokane winning 7-3. The best-of-three series continues tonight in Spokane. … In the South, host Eugene took a 1-0 series lead with a 3-2 win over first-half champion Hillsboro.

• There is no chance Earl Thomas will return to the Hawks next year, is there? So if you own a Thomas jersey, don’t be afraid to wear it even in the game snack includes Nacho cheese or ribs. The stains won’t matter in 10 months. Until later …